30 Awesome Facts About Texas (Know Before You Go)

When you think of Texas you probably think of cowboys, barbecue, girls with big hair, and everyone saying “y’all”. 

While you will find all of these things, it is important to note that there is so much more to Texas.  Really, there are so many cool facts about Texas that you are sure to discover something new that you can thank our great state for!

I mean, that’s why Texas cities consistently make the list of top cities in the U.S. to visit!  There are so many hidden gems in the U.S.A., and Texas is no exception. 

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51 Awesome Facts About Texas

1.  Texans Are Friendly

You can’t have a list of fun facts about Texas and not include the friendliness of the people!  It doesn’t matter if you are in the small towns of Texas, or the big cities, you will find that the majority of people in Texas are extremely friendly. 

2.  Friendship is the State Motto

As I said, we are friendly people, and the word Texas means friend, so it is only fitting that the Lone Star State motto is friendship.

3.  Dr. Pepper was Invented in Texas

Oh, my soda obsession, Dr. Pepper!  Dr. Pepper is one of the oldest (and in my opinion, the most delicious) sodas ever invented! 

Dr. Pepper was invented in Texas in 1885 from a pharmacist at Morrison’s Old Corner Drug Store in Waco, Texas, Dr. Pepper is now a Texas icon.

4.  Six Flags Have Ruled Over Texas

It’s true, six different flags have actually ruled over Texas.  These six countries include Spain, France, Mexico, The Republic of Texas, the Confederate States of America, and of course, the United States of America. 

5.  Six Flags Theme Park Originated in Texas

The Six Flags Theme Park brand actually originated here in the Lone Star State and drew its name from the history of the six flags that ruled over the state of Texas.

The first Six Flags theme park was created right here in a suburb of my hometown of Dallas-Fort Worth, in Arlington, Texas.  So, of course, we had to include Six Flags on our list of things to do in Dallas-Fort Worth.

6.  The Frozen Margarita Machine Was Invented Here

Drawing inspiration from the Slurpee machine used at 7-11 stores, Mariano Martinez came up with the idea of creating the world’s first frozen margarita machine. 

Today, you can see his original machine on display at The Smithsonian Museum of American History!

7. Texas has its own Power Grid!

It’s true.  There are three power grids in the United States, one for the western half of the country, one for the eastern half of the country, and one for the state of Texas! 

8.  Texas is Home to the Deadliest Natural Disaster in History

One of the saddest facts about Texas is the fact that we are home to one of the deadliest natural disasters in history.  In the year 1900, the Great Galveston Hurricane took the lives of between 6,000 and 12,000 people. 

9.  The Largest Known Bat Colony in North America is Here

Just outside of San Antonio, Texas, you will find Bracken Cave, home to the largest known bat colony in North America. 

It is estimated that over 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats call this cave home from March to October. 

Not only that, but the Texas state capital of Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in the United States also.

10.  The Fastest Road in the United States is in Austin

In between the Texas state capital of Austin and San Antonio, you will find a country road, Highway 130, which is the fastest road in the United States!  This road boasts a speed limit of 85 miles per hour!  Now, that’s a fast speed limit.

11.  Texas State Capital Building is the Largest State Capital Building in the U.S.

I mean, it isn’t a contest or anything, but the Texas State Capital building is the largest state capital building in the United States. 

Visitors to the Texas State Capital have their choice of some of the best places to stay in Austin and then can choose to take a free 30-minute tour to learn more about the capital of Texas.

12.  Texas is the 2nd Most Populous State

Second, to only California, Texas is the 2nd most populous state in the United States.  With a population of over 29 million people. 

13.  Texas is Larger Than Any European Country

It’s true, Texas is larger than so many places. If you place Texas over Europe on a properly scaled map, you can easily see that you could actually fit several European countries into Texas.

14.  Texas Was Once An Independent Nation

From the years 1836-1845, Texas was an independent nation. 

Falling under the flag of the Republic of Texas.  This period occurred during the time of Manifest Destiny when American settlers came to this region and won their independence from Mexico during the Texas Revolution. 

15.  The Texas Rangers are the Oldest State-Wide Law Enforcement Agency

The Texas Rangers were originally founded in 1823 by Stephen F. Austin.  This original group of 10 men was given the sole responsibility to protect the settlers that had come to make the Lone Star State their home. 

16.  Texas is Home to the World’s Largest Honky-Tonk

This Honky-Tonk, Billy Bob’s Texas, can be found in our hometown, Fort Worth, and is listed as one of our free things to do in Fort Worth. 

17.  We Love to Say Y’all

We love to say y’all!  Honestly, I don’t even think about it.  Y’all is just part of my vocabulary when I’m referring to two or more people.  LOL!

18.  We Also Love to Drop the Ending Off of our Words

This is something that you will notice throughout Texas.  We love to drop the last letter from our words. 

Some common examples include fixin’, comin’, dancin’, and singin’. 

19.  Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World

The city of Austin holds the title of live music capital of the world due to the fact that it has the most live music venues per capita in the nation, boasting more than 250 concert venues.

20.  The Hamburger Was Invented in the Lone Star State

So I haven’t been able to 100% validate this fact about Texas, but supposedly the hamburger that we all know and love was invented in Athens, Texas. 

21.  Whole Food Market and 7-11 Originated in Texas

That’s right, you can thank the great state of Texas for Whole Foods Market and 7-11.  You can find these popular stores all over the United States, but both found their start right here in Texas.  7-11 began in Dallas in 1927, while Whole Foods began in Austin in 1980.

22.  The Largest Fair in the United States

The Texas State Fair is not only the largest state fair in the United States. It is also the longest-running since it was established in 1886. 

Running for 24 days from the end of September thru October every year, the fair will have you eating your weight in fried food before taking a ride on one of the many amusement rides. 

23.  We Have Our Own Version of Mexican Food

Texans have their own version of Mexican food, Tex-Mex, and it is delicious! What exactly is Tex-Mex? 

Tex-Mex is a fusion of Mexican, Tejano, and American food styles. 

24.  We Ensure we have Bluebonnets

To ensure that the fields of bluebonnets make an appearance, the Texas Department of Transportation actually employs a team of gardeners to help spread over 30,000 pounds of wildflower seeds. 

There are also some great lavender fields in Texas!

25.  Two Presidents of the United States Were Born in Texas

Both Lyndon B. Johnson and Dwight Eisenhower were born here in Texas.  Matter of fact, you can tour the LBJ Ranch while you are visiting Fredericksburg, TX, and see the ‘Texas White House’.

26.  Texas is Home to 3 of the United States’ Largest Cities

Texas is home to 3 of the United States’ largest cities.  Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio all made the top 10 of the list of the largest cities in the U.S.

27.  There is a Dialect of German Only Spoken in Texas

A large portion of the Texas Hill Country was settled by German immigrants in the early 1900s.  During this time of settlement, these immigrants developed a unique dialect of the German language that you still hear spoken today.

28.  Don’t Mess With Texas Is For Real

The ‘Don’t Mess with Texas’ slogan originated as an anti-litter campaign.  It has since been used on so many different things. 

Some people say that you really don’t mess with Texas’ because of the history of independence here.

29.  We Take Our BBQ Seriously

Although BBQ was not invented in the Lone Star State, we take it seriously and pride ourselves on having the best in the U.S.  Now while this is a highly controversial statement, there are many Texans that would go toe to toe to prove it. 

30. Texas is Double the Size of Germany

It’s true, you can fit two countries the size of Germany in the Lone Star State!

Final Thoughts on Facts About Texas

Really, we could go on and on with facts about Texas.  The Lone Star State is definitely a unique state that is full of great people, beautiful countryside, and tons of things to do. 

Check Out Some of Our Other Texas Posts:

15 Fun Things to do in Canyon Lake, TX

Beaches in Texas

Fun Things to do in the Highland Lakes of Texas

Romantic Weekend in Downtown McKinney

Covered Wagon Camping: Unique Places to Stay in Texas

Enoch’s Stomp Vineyard & Winery: The Perfect Weekend Getaway

6 Reasons to Take an East Texas Wine Tour

Romantic Getaways in Texas

The Best Wineries in Fredericksburg, TX

30 Fun Things to do in Fredericksburg TX

40 Awesome Free Things to do in Austin

Free Things to do in San Antonio

101 Ideas for Date Night in Dallas

30 Incredible Day Trips from Dallas

55 Ideas for Date Night in Fort Worth

20 Towns to Celebrate Christmas in Texas

20 Fabulous Small Towns in Texas You Must Visit

Visiting the San Antonio River Walk at Christmas

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